HIV

HIV continues to thrive amid inequality and disparity. Achieving equitable access to treatment for key populations at higher risk of HIV remains an unmet challenge of the global HIV response.

In 2012, around 9.7 million people had access to the lifesaving treatment, representing only one-third of those eligible. Access to testing and lack of knowledge of one’s HIV status are the biggest barriers to accessing treatment.

Response

The Red Cross Red Crescent formidable strength is the capacity to undertake direct action at community and family levels, while building sustainable community systems to strengthen integrated service delivery and community resilience overall. Our HIV strategy focuses on community-led initiatives to scale-up HIV services and seek out the most vulnerable people. Through our vast network of volunteers living in remote communities in every corner of the globe, we promote community-based HIV prevention, care, treatment and support interventions.

Impact

Between 2009 and 2012, 57 National Societies around the world rolled out the Global Alliance on HIV. The initiative reached nearly 68 million people with a combination of prevention, care and treatment activities and services, which in many instances would not otherwise have been accessible to these individuals. National Societies have successfully shifted the home-based care paradigm by emphasizing positive health, dignity and support for both prevention and adherence to treatment.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 190 member National Societies . As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. About this site & copyright